Rory debuts Nike Air Zoom 90 at Players
Rory McIlroy's love of Air Max prompts designers to make new golf shoe
Nike lore maintains that designer Tinker Hatfield’s original inspiration for the Air Max came from the Centre Pompidou. In turn, the now-iconic silhouette inspired numerous offshoot designs, like the Air Max 90, which have subsequently inspired countless athletes.
Rory McIlroy is among the many; it was the golfer’s love of the Air Max 90 that prompted Nike designers to adapt the style into a performance golf shoe.
“I wear Air Max casually off the golf course all the time,” said McIlroy, who debuts the shoe at this week's Players Championship.
“Making it into a golf shoe really brings something new to the golf course. Not only is it different and very cool but it also performs well, giving me the comfort, traction and stability that I need.”
These attributes result from the Nike Air Zoom 90 IT’s custom Zoom Air sole in the forefoot, which also provides lightweight, responsive cushioning. Meanwhile, the upper’s waterproof, one-piece bootie construction keeps the foot dry and locked in.
A versatile rubber outsole with Nike Integrated Traction allows golfers to wear the shoe both on and off the course.
“I dress pretty casually off the course, so it’s nice to have options. If I want to go straight from the course to somewhere else, I can do it and not feel like I standout and look like a golfer,” he added.
The Nike Air Zoom 90 IT will be available in the black/white and white/black colourways from May 13 at Nike.com and select retailers.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
